Sign up to the GoodTo Newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information about how to do this, and how we hold your data, please see our privacy policy
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The spiced tomato sauce of this chicken and butternut squash ragout is great with crusty bread dipped in.
If you're looking for an easy one-pot dinner, our chicken and butternut squash ragout is perfect. It's simple to prepare and can be made ahead too making it perfect for entertaining or in the week. Thanks to the tinned tomatoes, this dish is high in vitamin A and C. The chickpeas bring a boost of protein alongside the chicken.
Ingredients
- 4tbsp olive oil
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- Butternut squash, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2tsp Cinnamon
- 2tsp Cumin
- 2tsp Turmeric
- 1tsp Chilli flakes
- 2 x tins chopped tomatoes
- 250ml chicken stock
- 1 tin chick peas
- Small bunch parsley, chopped
- Natural yogurt, to serve
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large lidded pan and cook the chicken legs on each side to brown - you may need to do this in batches. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add 1tbsp oil to the pan, heat and add the onion. Fry on a low-medium heat to soften. Once they have softened, sprinkle in the spices and fry for 30 secs to allow the flavours to infuse. Stir in the squash and garlic. Cook for 5mins, until the squash begins to soften.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock and chickpeas. Stir well then add the chicken legs back into the pan. Ensure the chicken is covered by the sauce, pop the lid on the pan and simmer gently for 25-30 mins, until the chicken and butternut squash is cooked through. Remove the lid for the last 10 mins to help the sauce thicken.
- Spoon the yogurt onto the top and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Serve.
Top tips for making chicken and butternut squash ragout:
- If you need a vegetarian option you can leave out the chicken thighs add more pulses like borlotti beans or butter beans
- You could serve this dish with fresh crusty bread or rice to absorb the spicy sauce
- This recipe can be made ahead and frozen, defrost thoroughly before re-heating
What does ragout mean?
The definition of ragout is a dish made from seasoned meat and vegetables cooked in a thick sauce
What is the difference between ragout, stew and ragu?
All three dishes are essentially the same though they have varying geographic origins and the serving suggestions vary. Ragout and stew are basically the same but ragout is often used in recipes of French origin.
A stew can refer to a meat or vegetable dish that is cooked over low heat for a long time with just enough liquid to ensure the dish doesn't dry out but does not fully submerge the core ingredients.
Ragu is an Italian dish, which consists of a meat-based sauce much like ragout and stews but it's usually served with pasta.
Related features:
60 healthy family dinners (opens in new tab)
Low calorie meals (opens in new tab)
Cheap family meals (opens in new tab) under £1 per head

Former Assistant Headteacher, Samuel has a BSc in Food from the University of Birmingham and is also Co-Vice Chair of the Guild of Food Writers and a Trustee of 91 Ways CIC. His work has featured in national and international publications including Waitrose Food, Australian Delicious, and the LAD Bible Group. Samuel has also consulted on a number of best-selling food and drink books, and was a nutritional consultant for BBC’s Eat Well for Less.
-
Chicken casserole
This chicken casserole recipe is a hearty meal that uses all the joints of chicken and plenty of root vegetables...
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Chicken, apple and prune casserole
This chicken, apple and prune casserole is the perfect date night dish, lovingly marinaded overnight for the best flavours.
By Octavia Lillywhite • Published
-
Sausage and chicken casserole
This sausage and chicken casserole is a hearty, rib-sticking dish with chicken breasts, whole sausages and butter beans in a rich tomato sauce.
By Octavia Lillywhite • Published
-
Coconut macaroon
These coconut macaroons are an amazing three-ingredient recipe and they're ready in less than 20 minutes. A quick and easy sweet.
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Chocolate orange cake
This more-ish chocolate orange cake is great for making with the kids in the holidays. Make sure you get first dibs on licking the chocolate bowl though!
By Jessica Dady • Published
-
Gordon Ramsay's Black Forest cake
A beautiful, decadent Black Forest cake with moist chocolate sponge and kirsch-soaked cherries. A truly epic teatime treat.
By Gordon Ramsay • Published
-
The Queen’s dinner table rule means this everyday essential isn’t ‘allowed’ for her royal relatives
The Queen reportedly prefers a more 'formal' approach to mealtimes and prioritises traditional etiquette with her nearest and nearest...
By Emma Shacklock • Published
-
Winter Love Island has been confirmed for 2023
Winter Love Island is back for another year
By Caitlin Elliott • Last updated
-
Love Island fans are calling for THIS dumped islander to return for the winter 2023 series
Love Island fans want to see this islander make a comeback in the upcoming winter season after they were dumped, less than a week after entering the villa
By Naomi Jamieson • Published